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The Department of Geography offers majors in environmental science and geography. The major in geography may culminate in either a bachelor of arts degree (BA) or a bachelor of science degree (BS). The department also offers a minor in geography, a minor in geographic information systems, and certificate programs in geographic information systems or regional and urban planning.

Degree requirements. Students earning the bachelor of arts (BA) degree with a major in geography must complete all University, college (see p. 50-52), and departmental degree requirements. These include the general education requirements, the following major requirements, all requirements for an approved minor, and sufficient other credits to total a minimum of 120 applicable semester hours.

Admission into the major. Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). With the assistance of an advisor in the major department, students should complete the “Declaration of Major” form.

Grade point average. A 2.0 grade point average in the major is required for completion of the degree. The major GPA is calculated based on all courses applicable to the major that the student has attempted at UA and all work attempted applicable to the major throughout the entire higher education career.

Major courses. The major in geography (BA) requires the successful completion of the following 36 semester hours:

Upper-level residency. A minimum of 12 hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be earned on this campus.

Ancillary courses. This major does not require ancillary courses.

Required minor. The geography major requires completion of a minor.

Additional major requirements. A maximum of 3 hours of internship or practicum credit can be applied to the major. Each geography course applied to the 36-hour requirement must be completed with a grade of “C-” or higher. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all University, college, major, and minor requirements. However, each student must meet with an advisor in the major department for academic planning and to be cleared for registration each semester.

Special opportunities. The Department of Geography offers certificate programs in geographic information systems (GIS) and regional and urban planning. Additional information is available in the Department of Geography office.